Music has always had a profound impact on film, enhancing the emotion, setting the tone, and creating a memorable experience for the audience. And in A24’s controversial new film, music supervisor Jemma Burns has masterfully curated a soundtrack that perfectly complements the story and adds an extra layer of depth to the film.
A music supervisor is a crucial role in the filmmaking process, responsible for selecting, licensing, and placing music in a film. And Jemma Burns, whose credits include films like Lady Bird and Eighth Grade, has once again proven why she is one of the best in the business. With A24’s latest release, she has once again showcased her knack for choosing just the right music to bring a story to life.
The film, which has sparked debates and divided opinions, has an equally compelling soundtrack that has been garnering buzz since its release. But what makes the music in this film stand out? Let’s take a closer look as Jemma Burns breaks down the buzzy music synchs in A24’s controversial new film.
First, let’s talk about the opening scene. The film starts with a powerful track, “You’re The One” by Kaytranada, which sets the tone for what’s to come. The lyrics, “This could be the end of everything, so why don’t we go somewhere only we know,” perfectly foreshadows the film’s themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.
As the film progresses, we are treated to a mix of familiar and new songs, each one carefully chosen to convey the emotions of the characters and push the story forward. “Don’t Let It Get to You” by Rostam, “Moving On” by Dev Hynes, and “Simple Place” by Raveena are just a few examples of songs that add depth and meaning to the scenes they are paired with. And Jemma Burns knows exactly when to use these songs, creating powerful and emotional moments that stay with the audience long after the film ends.
But it’s not just the song choices that make this soundtrack exceptional. It’s the way they are used in the film. From the loud, booming sounds of “Gun” by Masok and Princess Nokia during intense scenes to the soft and melancholic melody of “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac during emotional moments, each song is seamlessly integrated into the film, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
One of the most talked-about scenes in the film is the dance sequence set to Frank Ocean’s “Godspeed.” The song, with its poignant lyrics and Ocean’s soulful voice, captures the raw emotion of the characters and the moment perfectly. And Jemma Burns’ decision to pair it with this powerful scene is what elevates it to a whole new level.
One of the most interesting aspects of this soundtrack is the use of cover songs. In a poignant scene, we hear a stripped-down version of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” sung beautifully by Charlotte Lawrence. But it’s not just the song choice that stands out, it’s the way it’s used. The lyrics, “Some boys take a beautiful girl, and hide her away from the rest of the world,” take on a whole new meaning in the context of the scene, giving the audience a deeper insight into the characters’ relationships.
And last but certainly not least, we have to talk about the ending. As the film comes to a close, we hear “Purple Hat” by Sofi Tukker playing in the background. The upbeat and catchy tune is a stark contrast to the emotional climax of the film, but somehow it works. It brings a sense of hope and new beginnings, leaving the audience with a bittersweet feeling long after the credits have rolled.
In the end, Jemma Burns’ expert curation of the soundtrack for A24’s controversial new film is what truly makes it stand out. Each song has a purpose, carefully chosen to enhance the story and the characters, and it’s this attention to detail that has contributed to the film’s success. The music in this film is not just a catchy tune playing in the background, it’s a character in itself, adding depth and emotion to an already powerful story.
So, kudos to Jemma Burns for her incredible work in A24’s latest release. Her passion for music and her talent for pairing it with film have once again resulted in an exceptional soundtrack that will undoubtedly be talked
